Just like the teams and players spread across the continent and beyond are getting ready for a new season, the complete cohort of Euroleague Basketball referees came together to hold their own four-day preparation session for the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup over the weekend.

Euroleague Basketball Officials Clinic celebrates 32nd edition

Just like the teams and players spread across the continent and beyond are getting ready for a new season, the complete cohort of Euroleague Basketball referees came together to hold their own four-day preparation session for the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup over the weekend.

The 32nd Clinic for Euroleague Basketball Officials was held between Thursday and Sunday in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and saw all 68 referees due to work EuroLeague and EuroCup games starting the first week of October in attendance alongside 12 referee coaches and several special guests.

Their agenda was a busy one and included the first presentation to his former colleagues from Daniel Hierrezuelo, Euroleague Basketball's new Director of Officiating.

"This is the first time since my nomination as Euroleague Basketball Senior Director of Officiating that I have the opportunity to address to all our referees in person the main ideas and concepts that we will introduce during the 2023-24 season," Hierrezuelo said. "We have a strong group of 68 referees who have shared their knowledge, opinions and experience on many different topics during these four days as I firmly believe that teamwork, honesty and mutual respect are some  of the core principles to improve officiating quality”

Among the special guests who also presented to the referees were Zeljko Obradovic, head coach of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, whose presentation took place on the floor at Stozice Arena; Ioannis Sfairopoulos, Euroleague Head Coaches Board Vice-President; Costas Rigas, former Euroleague Basketball Senior Director; Mar Rovira, Sports Psychologist; Gianluca Mazzoncini, Physical Trainer; and Goran Sasic, Euroleague Head Coaches Board Executive Director.

The various subjects addressed over more than 12 hours daily of the clinic included an analysis of instant replay use; a discussion of the parameters of marginal contact; a video session to study act-of-shooting and verticality calls; officiating standards, rules tests and more. There was also an emphasis put on communication while working in cross-cultural environments.

All that was in addition to the copious physical testing, reviews of officiating statistics and protocols, as well as open discussion sessions and group work among the referees themselves.

The four days of intense preparations served to assure that the 68 referees, all of whom worked in the competitions last season, will hit the ground running when the EuroLeague and EuroCup get rolling next month.

Going into its fourth consecutive BKT EuroCup season – and its second under head coach Frederic Fauthoux – Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse has established itself as a club that is always knocking at the door of bigger accomplishments on the European stage. With seven new players – including NBA Draft prospect Zaccharie Risacher – added to a core that helped Bourg reach the eighthfinals last season means that early adaptation will be the key to its ambitions in wide-open EuroCup Group B when play starts on October 2.

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse

Going into its fourth consecutive BKT EuroCup season – and its second under head coach Frederic Fauthoux – [Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse/roster/bou/?season=2023-24) has established itself as a club that is always knocking at the door of bigger accomplishments on the European stage. With seven new players – including NBA Draft prospect [Zaccharie Risacher](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-gets-forward-risacher-on-loan/) – added to a core that helped Bourg reach the eighthfinals last season means that early adaptation will be the key to its ambitions in wide-open EuroCup Group B when play starts on October 2.

### BACKCOURT

Bourg has the comfort of knowing that the ball will be in experienced hands, since [Axel Julien](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-signs-guard-julien/) and [Hugo Benitez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/hugo-benitez/profile/010449/) have shared the team's starting and backup point-guard duties, respectively, for the last two seasons. To that mix comes well-traveled [JeQuan Lewis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-inks-playmaker-jequan-lewis/), who excelled in the German League last season after having played previously in the G League, South Korea, Greece, Taiwan, Israel and Estonia. Sharpshooter [Bryce Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-adds-sharpshooter-bryce-brown/) comes to Bourg from winning a Polish League title, while [Jeremy Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/jl-bourg-seals-move-for-jeremy-morgan/) – the only newcomer with previous EuroCup experience – comes off a German League title with Telekom Bonn. [Isiaha Mike](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-re-signs-forward-isiaha-mike/) is the team's only double-digit scorer from last season to return, so he will be relied on considerably to keep up his consistency and ability to get to the basket.

Isiaha Mike, Hugo Benitez and 1 other Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season

Isiaha Mike, Hugo Benitez and Axel Julien top plays 2022-23 EuroCup

### FRONTCOURT

Risacher can be expected to get a lot of time to prove himself at small forward, while forward [Maxime Courby](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/maxime-courby/profile/010450/), the [most-accurate three-point shooter in EuroCup history](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/maxime-courby-the-unexpected-all-time-leading-three-point-shooter/), brings veteran leadership to the frontcourt. The sole other returnee is Angolan international [Kevin Kokila](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-lands-floyd-kokila/), a part-time starter at center last season. In to help at power forward is experienced [Maksim Salash](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-completes-roster-with-maksim-salash/), a former FIBA basketball Champions League titlist. At the center spot, Kokila will share time with 25-year-old [Bodian Massa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-secures-center-bodian-massa/), who was the sixth-best rebounder in the French League last season for Strasbourg (7.3 per game), and another youngster, 22-year-old Nigerian international [Godwin Omenaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-swoops-to-sign-godwin-omenaka/), who last played in Hungary.

### PLAYER TO WATCH

Zaccharie Risacher is a player to watch on a global basis due to his excellent length and skills for a 2.04-meter-forward who can play at least three positions. Still just 18 years old, Risacher has as many EuroLeague games under his belt, having averaged 3.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in 13 minutes last season for LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, the team from whom he was lent to Bourg. Risacher, whose father Stephane was an elite EuroLeague player, has excelled at all junior levels, including the Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament, and is now poised to make an impact at the next level. There is little Risacher cannot do, as he runs, handles, shoots, rebounds, steals and assists in equally impressive numbers.

Zaccharie Risacher Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season

Zaccharie Risacher top plays 2022-23 EuroLeague

### OUTLOOK

Coach Fauthoux might have his work cut out for him with such a young team with little EuroCup experience. Nonetheless, the fact that three backcourt players in their primes - Benitez, Julien and Mike - bring plenty of know-how should make the growing pains less severe. The backcourt and wing production will be key since Bourg is youngest and least experienced under the rim. Massa is the team's tallest player at 2.08, which means that perimeter play and fastbreaking will likely be Bourg's style until the big men can adjust. Bourg played better on the road than at home last season, but with just six teams going to the playoffs from each group under [the new EuroCup format](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/new-eurocup-format-certain-to-bring-increased-drama/), protecting Ekinox arena becomes an imperative for the French team going into the EuroCup season.

It is hard to imagine the BKT EuroCup without ratiopharm Ulm, which is in ninth consecutive appearance in the competition and 11th overall. Ulm comes off a great season in which it won its first German League title and reached the EuroCup quarterfinals. It lost some key players but Ulm's management, led by sports director and former coach Thorsten Leibenath, has found young, interesting new players to keep the team very competitive. 


2023-24 Roster Rundown: ratiopharm Ulm

It is hard to imagine the BKT EuroCup without ratiopharm Ulm, which is making its ninth consecutive appearance in the competition and 11th overall. Ulm comes off a great season in which it won its first German League championship and reached the EuroCup Quarterfinals. It lost some key players, but Ulm's management, led by sports director and former coach Thorsten Leibenath, has found young and interesting players to keep the team competitive.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Dakota freut sich schon jetzt, euch alle beim ersten Heimspiel am 27. September in der ratiopharm arena zu treffen 🧡🏀 <br> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/uuulmer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#uuulmer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/weareone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#weareone</a> <a href="https://t.co/f7J0QwNIyv">pic.twitter.com/f7J0QwNIyv</a></p>&mdash; ratiopharm ulm (@ratiopharmulm) <a href="https://twitter.com/ratiopharmulm/status/1692637710521962568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

### BACKCOURT

[Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/juan-nunez/010106/) and [Georginho de Paula](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ulm-inks-brazilian-international-georginho/) are set to split most of the minutes at point guard. In his second season with Ulm, Nunez is a unique talent, a pass-first playmaker with outstanding one-on-one skills. The club went to the Brazilian market again to find de Paula, an all-around guard with great athleticism and surprising rebounding skills, which is a perfect fit for head coach [Anton Gavel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/ulm/gavel-anton?season=U2023)'s run-and-gun game. Seikou Sisoho Jawara is an intriguing prospect making his EuroCup debut, and [Maximilian Langenfeld](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/maximilian-langenfeld/012066/) is set to fight for playing time.

[Dakota Mathias](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ulm-inks-sharpshooter-dakota-mathias/) is Ulm's main addition at shooting guard with the well-rounded and reliable [Tommy Klepeisz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/thomas-klepeisz/010582/) as his backup. Mathias is a great shooter with unlimited range and good ballhandling skills. Ulm will rely on [Alex Anigbata](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ulm-inks-forward-prospect-alec-anigbata/) and [Tobias Jensen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tobias-jensen/010726/) to grow during the season and enter the team's rotation.

Karim Jallow Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season

2022-23 EuroCup highlights: Karim Jallow, Ulm

### FRONTCOURT

[Robin Christen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/robin-christen/011188/) and [Karim Jallow](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/karim-jallow/005422/) should see most of the playing time at small forward. Christen is a tough defender and a three-point specialist. Jallow comes off a strong season and along with Christen and Klepeisz, is set to play a key veteran role despite being just 26. His explosiveness and physicality are key to his team's success. [Pacome Dadiet](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/pacome-dadiet/011457/) is an intriguing prospect, a versatile swingman with great speed and coordination.

Dominican national team forward [L.J. Figueroa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ulm-inks-athletic-forward-lj-figueroa/) offers versatility and physicality, help on the boards and the ability to score in many different ways. In his third season with Ulm, [Philipp Herkenhoff](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/philipp-herkenhoff/006997/) is a stretch power forward with a very high basketball IQ which he uses to find advantages on offense. [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ulm-adds-size-with-trevion-williams/) arrives to be Ulm's main reference in the paint. He is a strong rebounder and a mobile big man. [Nicolas Bretzel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nicolas-bretzel/007952/) is back to offer post skills and a solid contribution in both paints.

Juan Nunez Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season

2022-23 EuroCup highlights: Juan Nunez, Ulm

### PLAYER TO WATCH

Ulm is set to have an electric backcourt featuring Nunez and de Paula. At age 19, Nunez is one of the most interesting point guards in the continent who is starting for the mighty Spanish national team at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Nunez is a special talent who earned MVP honors at the 2022 U20 European Championships playing against opponents two years older than him. Earlier that year, he sat on Real Madrid's bench in the 2022 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game. 

Nunez's passing skills and leadership set him apart, as well as his quick first step. He needs to improve his three-point shooting to become a complete player. Nunez shot 30.3% from downtown in the German League and 36.1% in the EuroCup last season. Practice makes perfect and Nunez has everything else needed to become a world-class guard: poise, character, talent and very special court vision.

### OUTLOOK

Ulm has made it to the EuroCup Quarterfinals in each of the last two seasons. Despite its many roster changes and a tougher regular season, Ulm remains ambitious and can be expected to challenge for EuroCup glory. It has a deep, young backcourt ready to run the floor, and more experienced frontcourt players looking to help in many different ways. It may be one of the youngest (if not the youngest) teams in the competition, but Ulm will play fun-to-watch basketball. If you look back in basketball history, when a young team has fun on the court, good things can happen.

The BKT EuroCup has been put on notice by the display of Joventut Badalona guard Andres Feliz at the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Feliz erupted for 24 points to lead the Dominican Republic to an 82-87 victory over Italy on Sunday at Manila Araneta Coliseum that greatly increased his country's chances of reaching the second round.

Andres Feliz erupted for monster game in Manila

The BKT EuroCup has been put on notice by the display of Joventut Badalona guard [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andres-feliz/011247/) at the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Feliz erupted for 24 points to lead the Dominican Republic to an 82-87 victory over Italy on Sunday at Manila Araneta Coliseum that greatly increased his country's chances of reaching the second round.

Already widely-known as a great shooter and scorer, Feliz dominated with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists to lead all players with a performance index rating of 28. Most impressive was Feliz's marksmanship from deep as he made 7 of 10 three-pointers.

The fact that Feliz's threes went down at such a high rate was not a major surprise, he was the EuroCup leader in three-point accuracy last season at 51.2%. What stood out was how often Feliz felt comfortable firing up shots from downtown.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Andres Feliz IMPARABLE 🔥🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/c1mrvTX4iY">pic.twitter.com/c1mrvTX4iY</a></p>&mdash; Selección de Baloncesto de la República Dominicana (@RDBSeleccion) <a href="https://twitter.com/RDBSeleccion/status/1695726318577754239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

With Joventut last season, he never made more than 3 triples or attempted more than 6 in any EuroCup game. He shot less than half as many threes (43) as he did two-pointers (97) in 21 EuroCup games. In two games with the Dominican Republic in the Philippines, he has taken more than twice as many threes (16) as he has twos (7).

All the while, Feliz has maintained his incredible accuracy, making 57.1% of his two-point shots and 56.3% of his threes. To boot, he has averaged 5.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists in leading his country to a 2-0 start in Group A.

Usually, when a scorer takes on a larger role, whether with club or country, his averages may go up, but the efficiency might take a dip. That has not been the case thus far with Feliz and if his play at this tournament is an indication of what is to come, the 26-year-old could be in for a monster campaign in his third EuroCup season with Joventut.

More on Andres Feliz

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana bolstered its backcourt by signing playmaker Nikola Radicevic for the coming season. Radicevic (1.94 meters, 29 years old) will head into his seventh EuroCup campaign. 

Cedevita bolsters backcourt with Nikola Radicevic 

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana bolstered its backcourt by signing playmaker [Nikola Radicevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nikola-radicevic/002561/) for the coming season. Radicevic (1.94 meters, 29 years old) will head into his seventh EuroCup campaign. He last played in the competition with 7bet Lietkabelis Panevezys in 2021-22 during which he averaged 6.8 points, 4.2 assists and 1.3 steals in 12 games.

Radicevic arrives from Spanish side Bilbao with which he averaged on 6.2 points, 3.1 assists and 1.5 rebounds per game last season in the Spanish League. He has also played for Trefl Sopot in Poland; Promitheas Patras in Greece: UCAM Murcia, Gran Canaria and Cajasol Sevilla in Spain; Dolomiti Energia Trento in Italy; Partizan Belgrade and Crvena Zvezda Belgrade of his native Serbia; and Rytas Vilnius of Lithuania. In addition to 48 career appearances in the EuroCup, Radicevic has played 23 games over two seasons in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with Zvezda and Gran Canaria.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sl" dir="ltr">Nikola Radičević joins us in Cedevita Olimpija.<br><br>Welcome to Ljubljana, Nikola! 💚🧡<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevoSrce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevoSrce</a> <a href="https://t.co/s88GHR9n0H">pic.twitter.com/s88GHR9n0H</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - English (@KKCedOL_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL_EN/status/1695708485697011920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"I am very happy to have become part of Cedevita Olimpija. I am pleased to be part of a new project that began with the arrival of a new head coach and sports director. I can’t wait to join my teammates. I hope we get along well, play good basketball to achieve competitive goals, and that the fans enjoy our game," Radicevic said after signing.

Cedevita Olimpija news

It was no easy task: Joventut Badalona playmaker Andres Feliz made his World Cup debut with the Dominican Republic against Philippines in front of an all-time record crowd of 38,115 at Manila Philippine Arena. Far from being intimidating by such noisy basketball atmosphere, Feliz took another step forwards in his career, leading Dominicana to an 87-81 win which could be critical to send his team to the next round in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.  


Joventut Badalona's Andres Feliz steps up in front of a record crowd

It was no easy task: Joventut Badalona playmaker Andres Feliz made his World Cup debut with the Dominican Republic against the Philippines in front of an all-time record crowd of 38,115 at Manila Philippine Arena. Far from being intimidating by such noisy basketball atmosphere, Feliz took another step forwards in his career, leading the Dominican Republic to an 87-81 win which could be critical to send his team to the next round in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

### Feliz starts, rises to the occasion

Feliz played a major role in this critical win, seeing more playing time than any of his teammates, almost 31 minutes, six more than All-NBA center Karl-Anthony Towns. He also led his team in performance index rating (20), finishing the game with a solid all-around performance: 12 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists.

Philippines led 69-72 midway through the third quarter when Feliz picked up a good pass from Dreamland Gran Canaria guard Jean Montero to strike from downtown to tie the game. When Montero found Antonio Peña for another three-pointer, the Dominican Republic took the lead for good. Feliz still had time to get three more rebounds and get another layup. Montero also helped it many ways, getting 6 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.

### A late bloomer

Feliz is no longer a young prospect and at age 26, he has carefully taken many steps forward to showcase his best basketball at the prime of his career. His first professional stop was Joventut's affiliate team, CB Prat, where he played in the 2020-21 season, leading the Spanish third division in scoring at 18.9 points per game.

Fully aware of his potential, Joventut allowed Feliz to grow in each of the last three seasons, always seeing more playing time and posting better numbers. Last season, he averaged career highs of 9.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 21 BKT EuroCup games, leading the competition in three-point shooting (51.2% 3FG). All that EuroCup experience has allowed Feliz to have a great debut at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, as Dominican tries to go past the first group stage and set new goals in the tournament.

Joventut's Feliz steps up in front of a record crowd

Several more teams spent the next-to-last week of August gearing up for the new BKT EuroCup season, which is little more than a month away. Almost every team in the EuroCup has hit the floor for nearly full practice sessions by now, in addition to all the specialized physical training that takes place this time of year. With 20 players from 10 EuroCup clubs playing for as many countries at the World Cup, however, some teams won't be complete until closer to opening day. In the meantime, their teammates are going strong and will soon be crisscrossing Europe on their own preseason schedules to make sure that everyone is game-ready when the EuroCup starts on Tuesday, October 3.

Training camps filling up through the BKT EuroCup

### New look in Trento

[Dolomiti Energia Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/dolomiti-energia-trento/roster/trn/?season=2023-24) opened its first camp under new head coach [Paolo Galbiati](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/trento-announces-paolo-galbiati-as-new-coach/) on Tuesday with seven new players on the roster, including two who made their way from EuroLeague club and reigning Italian champion EA7 Emporio Armani Milan: foward [Davide Alviti](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/trento-signs-davide-alviti-for-2-seasons/) and center [Paul Biligha](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/trento-adds-muscle-with-veteran-biligha/). One of the five holdovers, forward [Andrejs Grazulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/trento-adds-forward-grazulis/), will re-join the team after he finishes his duties with the Latvian national team at the World Cup.

"The sensations of this first day are positive," Galbiati said after his first practice with the team. "There are those who want to take steps forward this year to become protagonists; there are those who want revenge; and there are those who need to confirm themselves at a high level. In short, there is a lot of motivation and a great desire to do well together."

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margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwVjaq_MFLZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">Una publicación compartida de Aquila Basket Trento (@aquilabaskettrento)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

### Pianigiani returns to lead Cedevita

The week started with veteran Euroleague Basketball bench boss [Simone Pianigiani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/cedevita-names-simone-pianigiani-as-its-new-head-coach/), back from a three-year sojourn coaching in China, taking his new team, [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/roster/lju/?season=2023-24), through its first paces. Cedevita doesn't have veterans [Zoran Dragic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/cedevita-re-signs-veteran-dragic/) and [Jaka Blazic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/jaka-blazic-returns-to-cedevita-olimpija/) in camp, because they are at the World Cup with Slovenia, but 14 other players are. Among seven newcomers to the Slovenian capital is point guard [Justin Cobbs](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/justin-cobbs-returns-to-the-eurocup-with-cedevita-olimpija/), whose EuroCup experience runs deep, as does that of Blazic, who returns for his third stint with Cedevita.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Under the guidance of new head coach Simone Pianigiani, the Dragons have started the training camp ahead of the new season, in Stožice Arena.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevoSrce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevoSrce</a> <a href="https://t.co/sjCVnYCHq3">pic.twitter.com/sjCVnYCHq3</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - English (@KKCedOL_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL_EN/status/1693591309632594163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### Voyage of discover for Reyer necomers

Training camp is a time for discovery, too, and that was true as ever for [Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/umana-reyer-venice/roster/vnc/?season=2023-24) players this week, especially six of the seven new players (center [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/reyer-adds-all-eurocup-big-man-bruno-caboclo/) is with Brazil and the World Cup) who were there for the start of practices. Besides getting to know the core of returning players, some of whom have been with Reyer for years, the club literally took the newcomers on a voyage of discovery to understand why Venice is unique and famous around the world.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Discovering Venice 🦁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FinoAllaFine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FinoAllaFine</a> <a href="https://t.co/d3GTu8Nn6G">pic.twitter.com/d3GTu8Nn6G</a></p>&mdash; Reyer Venezia (@REYER1872) <a href="https://twitter.com/REYER1872/status/1693850484099219478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### Aris takes to the hills

Although [Aris ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/aris-thessaloniki/roster/ari/?season=2023-24)had already gotten together late last week, the historic club's EuroCup mission began in earnest on Wednesday when the team decamped for Karpenissi in central Greece for a mountain stage of training under head coach [Yannis Kastritis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/aris-and-coach-kastritis-agree-to-extension/) and his staff. The only players missing are [Lefteris Bochoridis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bochoridis-heads-back-to-aris/) and [Silvio De Sousa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/aris-bolsters-frontcourt-with-de-sousa/), who are with the Greek and Angolan national teams, respectively, at the World Cup

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">🏀 Αναχώρησε για το Καρπενήσι η αποστολή του ΑΡΗ Midea<br>Read More 👉 <a href="https://t.co/EL6fFlzdMD">https://t.co/EL6fFlzdMD</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISBC</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISFamily</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISBC2023_24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISBC2023_24</a> <a href="https://t.co/XFkxTLnlUd">pic.twitter.com/XFkxTLnlUd</a></p>&mdash; ARIS B.C. (@ARISBCgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/ARISBCgr/status/1694252660780613709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### Buducnost players loom over Podgorica

Among the EuroCup teams that went through a substantial summer remake was [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/roster/bud/?season=2023-24), which hired no fewer than nine new players. Heading into its 17th EuroCup season, more than any other club, Buducnost leaned toward adding experience in the competition by adding shooter [Allerik Freeman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/buducnost-tabs-scoring-ace-allerik-freeman/) and forward [JaCorey Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/jacorey-williams-seals-move-to-buducnost/), among others. Each player's arrival was met with a unique social media campaign post showing the Buducnost heroes looming over the Montenegrin capital, as in the case with Williams.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Beast is here 😤<a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#KKB</a> <a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheFuture?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#TheFuture</a> <a href=https://t.co/2D2eS5tYfn>pic.twitter.com/2D2eS5tYfn</a></p>&mdash; KK Budućnost VOLI (@KKBuducnostVOLI) <a href=https://twitter.com/KKBuducnostVOLI/status/1691692622283145717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>August 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset="utf-8"></script> 

### Prometey gets to work

One of the darlings of the last EuroCup season, semifinalist [Prometey Slobozhanske](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/prometey-slobozhanske/roster/pmt/?season=2023-24), started preparations for the next one this week. Again, the Ukrainian club will play its games in Riga, Latvia, due to the war. Prometey is concentrating first on making sure that several players who were rehabbing or had surgery over the summer, a list that includes [Illia Sydorov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/illia-sydorov/profile/011966/), [Ivan Tkachenko](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ivan-tkachenko/profile/011943/), [Viacheslav Petrov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/viacheslav-petrov/profile/011946/), [Issuf Sanon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/prometey-re-signs-guard-issuf-sanon/), [Caleb Agada](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/prometey-re-signs-star-guard-caleb-agada/), [Ondrej Balvin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/prometey-bulks-up-with-balvin-at-center/), [Oleksandr Lypovyy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/oleksandr-lypovyy/profile/001686/) and [Denys Lukashov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/denys-lukashov/002691/). Nonethless, Prometey and coach Ronen Ginzburg are set to play in their first preseason game on August 31.

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Training camps filling up throughout the BKT EuroCup

Sylvain Francisco of France and LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, Yago Dos Santos of Brazil and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, Justus Hollatz of Germany and Anadolu Efes Istanbul, Dimitris Moraitis of Panathinaikos Athens, Ziga Samar of Slovenia and ALBA Berlin, and Matteo Spagnolo of Italy and ALBA are all 25 years old or younger and all headed to their EuroLeague debuts in October by way of the World Cup.

 Rising rookies join EuroLeague point guard tradition at World Cup 

It would be a rare elite international tournament that didn't feature EuroLeague Basketball point guards as focal points, but the upcoming FIBA World Cup presents fans with something rather unique – a new generation of floor leaders who will follow up that showcase by debuting in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague just a few weeks later.

[Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/bayern-munich-adds-france-international-sylvain-francisco/) of France and LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, [Yago Dos Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/yago-dos-santos-makes-jump-to-euroleague-with-zvezda/) of Brazil and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, [Justus Hollatz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/anadolu-efes-grabs-talented-point-guard-justus-hollatz/) of Germany and Anadolu Efes Istanbul, [Dimitris Moraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/greens-tab-playmaker-dimitris-moraitis-on-3-year-deal/) of Panathinaikos Athens, [Ziga Sama](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ziga-samar/007550/)r of Slovenia and ALBA Berlin, and [Matteo Spagnolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alba-signs-promising-guard-matteo-spagnolo/) of Italy and ALBA are all 25 years old or younger and all headed to their EuroLeague debuts in October by way of the World Cup.

In so doing, they join a distinguished line of predecessors who have defined the virtuosity of playmaking in the European game this century.

Justus Hollatz and Matteo Spagnolo in the BKT EuroCup.

VIDEO HLs: Hollatz and Spagnolo

### Long line of iconic playmakers

The last two generations have seen the torch passed from one set of iconic floor generals – [Dimitris Diamantidis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dimitris-diamantidis/jko/), [Sarunas Jasikevicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/saras-jasikevicius/adg/), [Theodoros Papaloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/theodoros-papaloukas/atw/), [Pablo Prigioni](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/pablo-prigioni/cbx/) and others – to another with names like [Vassilis Spanoulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vassilis-spanoulis/juo/), [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/), [Sergio Rodriguez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-rodriguez/cvm/), [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) and [Ricky Rubio](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ricky-rubio/lfw/).

All led their clubs and countries to success while synthesizing the singular style of team play that distinguishes the ever-more-admired European game.

Not forgetting that some of that old guard – [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/) of Spain and Real Madrid, [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/) of France and ASVEL – and some EuroLeague playmakers in their primes – [Maodo Lo ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/maodo-lo/007032/)of Germany and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, [Aleksa Avramovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/aleksa-avramovic/003983/) of Serbia and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade – remain leaders on their national and club teams, this World Cup offers EuroLeague fans a chance to glimpse a new raft of playmakers they will likely be following for years to come.

Given their ages, this sextet of EuroLeague rookies-to-be may or may not play major roles at the World Cup, but the fact is they were all chosen for both their national and club teams for reasons that go beyond potential. Dos Santos, Hollatz, Samar and Spagnolo, for instance, have all proven themselves at the EuroCup level already, showing again how that competition continues to lead to greater things.

Yago Dos Santos and Ziga Samar played for ratiopharm Ulm and Veolia Towers Hamburg, respectively, in the 2022-23 BKT EuroCup.

VIDEO HLs: Samar and Dos Santos

### More than just EuroLeague rookies in World Cup

And while those six are yet to debut in the EuroLeague, they are far from alone as young Euroleague Basketball point guards to watch in the World Cup. Due to play major roles for their countries are already-established EuroLeague playmakers like 22-year-old [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) of Lithuania and FC Barcelona, the 2021-22 EuroLeague Rising Star Trophy winner and 23-year-old defensive ace [Alessandro Pajola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alessandro-pajola/006739/) of Italy and Segafredo Virtus Bologna. From the EuroCup, 19-year-old [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/juan-nunez/010106/) of Spain and ratiopharm Ulm and a pair of 26-year-olds, [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andres-feliz/011247/) of Dominican Republic and Joventut Badalona and [Petar Popovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/petar-popovic/007398/) of Montenegro and Buducnost VOLI Podgorica, will be at the controls for their national teams, too.

Needless to say, knowing that these young playmakers have studied their iconic predecessors over the years, if they can come close to emulating them, too, both their countries and clubs will have new household names with the ball in their hands very soon.

Rising rookies join EuroLeague point guard tradition at World Cup

Dreamland Gran Canaria: 2023-24 games to watch

The reigning BKT EuroCup champion returns to the competition with history in mind. Dreamland Gran Canaria will be aiming to become the first team ever to defend its title. Of course, getting there will not be far from a walk in the park. On contrary, teams in the EuroCup don't usually have a chance to play a reigning champion, so Gran Canaria will have a rocky road in Group B as it will be entering each game knowing the opponent has a bit of an extra motivation. Here are some of the game to pay attention to.

 

[Gran Canari's full regular-season schedule](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/games/can/?season=2023-24)

 

[Round 1: Aris Thessaloniki vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/aris-thessaloniki-dreamland-gran-canaria/U2023/9/#comparison)

### Start to a title defense

The title defense for Gran Canaria starts in northern Greece against a team whose army of fans will do anything to help get their favorite team's return to the competition on the right foot. Aris Thessaloniki is back in the EuroCup after a seven-year hiatus, and has never played Gran Canaria. Meanwhile, Gran Canaria enters this game on an eight-game winning streak and a road win in a tough environment in a season-opener would immediately confirm Gran Canaria's status as a team to beat this season.

Gran Canaria - Buducnost VOLI Podgorica | Round 8 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

[Round 9: Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/dreamland-gran-canaria-buducnost-voli-podgorica/U2023/88/#comparison)

### Staying perfect against old rival

Both teams combine for 33 EuroCup seasons, and even when Gran Canaria qualified to the 2018-19 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Buducnost also made it to Europe's top competition as the Adriatic League champion. And while they split home wins that season in the EuroLeague, they have faced each other eight times in the EuroCup and Gran Canaria won all of them, however, needed overtime to beat Buducnost at home last season. With Buducnost not hiding its ambitions to finally earn a right to host a playoff game this season, this clash has all the makings of a highly important, must-watch game.

 

[Round 15: Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/dreamland-gran-canaria-turk-telekom-ankara/U2023/147/#comparison)

### A rare EuroCup finals re-match

This season we are set to witness something that has never happened before in the competition, a re-match of the previous season's EuroCup Finals, and in Round 15, Gran Canaria and Turk Telekom Ankara both come back to the venue where they were battling it out for EuroCup crown this past May. It was clash in which Gran Canaria prevailed 71-67. With this game scheduled during the final stretch of the regular season, it will be a clash you will not want to miss.